Sport Comes at a Price

There is no doubt the sporting world was shocked when Bolton Wanderers player Fabrice Muamba collapsed at White Hart lane in their FA Cup quarter final fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. His was an unfortunate incident at which television cameras were there is force.

In the same week in India Bangalore Mars midfielder Venkatash passed away on the pitch aged 27 of cardiac arrest. Just last month Piermario Morosini, 26, collapsed on the pitch while playing for Livorno in an Italian Serie B match. He was rushed to hospital but later died. These two players were not as lucky as Muamba, and our thoughts go out to their team mates and their families.

Others too have lost their lives playing the sport they love, the unfortunate Lizzie Watkins hit in the head by a hockey ball in Perth, Claire Squires 30 who died during the London marathon, and a 15 year old playing rounders in England. Life is tough, but at least all of these people left us doing something they enjoyed.

Patrice Muamba, may never play football again, and no doubt his life has been turned upside down, and we no doubt all wish him a speedy recovery.

He recently sold his story to The Sun newspaper, reportedly for what is believed to be upwards of a quarter of a millions pounds. Many will say he may well need that to be able to move on with his life, and you could be right.

However it is t be hoped that he will also donate some of that money to the St John’s Ambulance staff and other medical people who that day worked tirelessly to save his life, so that they may be able to save other people’s lives in the future.

It is worth noting that the fundraiser on the website for Claire Squires, after her unfortunate passing during the London marathon has raised almost the same amount of money for the Samaritans, another service that does such good work with limited financial support.